The events which led to the execution of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII"s second queen, in 1536 have traditionally been explained by historians in terms of a factional conspiracy masterminded by Henry"s minister Thomas Cromwell. Retha Warnicke"s fascinating and controversial reinterpretation focuses instead on the sexual intrigues and family politics pervading the court, offering a new explanation of Anne"s fall. The picture which emerges - placing Anne"s life in the context of social and religious values, and superstitions about witches and the birth of deformed children - changes our perception of her role within the court, and suggests that her execution (occurring only four months after a miscarriage) was the tragic consequence of Henry"s profound concern about the continuation of the Tudor dynasty.